Zhang Zhan is a Christian journalist and human rights defender who is imprisoned in China. Her four-year sentence is due to end in May 2024.
Having reported on the outbreak of COVID-19 from Wuhan in 2020, she was arrested and charged with ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’. This language illustrates the Chinese government’s practice of quashing dissent through vague and false accusations.
After her sentencing trial, she said to her lawyer: ‘I will continue to fight in a Christian way, even at the cost of my life. I will make [the Chinese authorities] repent, and I will continue to pray for God’s great love to guide me.’
Find out more at csw.org.uk/china
Sunday 11 February
Zhang Zhan’s health has deteriorated in prison, especially after she began a hunger strike to protest her arbitrary detention. The authorities interrupted this by force feeding her. Pray for her recovery and perseverance as she approaches the end of her sentence.
Monday 12 February
Many citizen journalists, like Zhang Zhan, have been jailed for reporting. Give thanks for these brave individuals who seek to share the truth with organisations like CSW; for the ears that are ready to hear; and for those who take action in response. Pray protection over all who carry out this work, and for their families.
Tuesday 13 February
Pray for the church leaders and workers who have been detained or imprisoned for collecting offerings. Ask God to provide for their churches, and cause the seeds they have sown to bear lasting fruit (John 15:16). May he bless those who have generously given.
Wednesday 14 February
Pray for the lawyers who continue to play a profound role in seeking to uphold the rights of citizens, despite facing grave risks for this work. We think especially of Gao Zhisheng, missing since 2017. We also remember Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi who suffered at least two years of torture before being sentenced to 14 and 12 years respectively in 2023. Pray for their emotional wellbeing and practical needs.
Thursday 15 February
The cases mentioned in this Prayer Diary were raised by CSW in high-level forums during 2023, including the UN and the EU. Give thanks for these opportunities and pray that our advocacy would continue to be effective.
Friday 16 February
In 2024, CSW will have several opportunities to confront the Chinese government on its human rights violations. One of these will be in consultations ahead of the human rights dialogue between the European Union and China, taking place in the first half of the year. Pray for wisdom for our advocates who will share information and recommendations.
Saturday 17 February
Members of Early Rain Covenant Church faced various illegal tactics to prevent them from joining a prayer meeting on 9 December. These included power cuts, police outside their homes, door-to-door threats, and being taken to police stations. The online prayer gathering marked five years since over 100 members were arrested, including Pastor Wang Yi. Pray for an end to the crackdown on the church.